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April 9, 2003 Contacts: Peggy Kennerly (541) 440-3301 ext. 219, Pager: (541) 677-1117; Jim Sellers (503) 945-5738 DHS plans to reopen Roseburg office building on Monday The Oregon Department of Human Services (DHS), which temporarily closed a leased office in Roseburg this week because of asbestos concerns, plans to reopen it on Monday. "We are encouraged that independent testing of air and surface samples has found no evidence of asbestos danger," said Peggy Kennerly, DHS manager for Douglas County. "Staff members have been creative and flexible, clients have been patient with us, and operating out of temporary quarters has gone remarkably smoothly." DHS decided to close the 28,975-square-foot office building at 1937 W. Harvard Ave. after learning during remodeling work that a 1991 report showed that some wall adhesive and wall texturing contained asbestos. Kennerly said the agency wanted to ensure that neither the public nor employees were in any danger from disturbed asbestos. Intake for Temporary Assistance to Needy Families, food stamps and the Oregon Health Plan was moved to the Disability Services Office at 251 N.E. Garden Valley in Roseburg. Kennerly said DHS provided transportation from the closed office for several clients who needed it. Kennerly said DHS employees were being notified that Sunday’s asbestos testing produced results similar to those in 1991 testing. Although DHS officials had originally said the two-story office building would be closed for three days, Kennerly said they chose to do more testing on the recommendation of the remodeling contractor. She said if any asbestos abatement were needed, it could be done over the weekend. Kennerly said 200-300 clients a day visit and 112 DHS employees work in the building, which the agency leases from a private company. Employees not assigned to the Garden Valley office are working out of offices in Canyonville, Drain and Winston. |
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